AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR)

The AN/PRC-148 is a small and light full-featured Combat Net Radio (CNR) operating contiguously over the 30-512 MHz frequency range. The radio has imbedded US Type-1 COMSEC protection and is capable of both voice and data modes of operation. The AN/PRC-148 provides a hand held, highly flexible tactical radio useful over a very broad range of combat environments.

The AN/PRC-148 is the cornerstone of a complete system solution for the warfighter which includes a Vehicle Adapter with a unique, cable-free, rapid radio dismount capability; dual radio AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier; Base Station for fixed applications; Tactical Repeater for range extension; and compact, rugged Man Portable System for dismounted operations requiring higher power output.

AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR)

Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit perform a radio check on their AN/PRC-148 radio during a tactical command post exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, 30 April 2007.

The AN/PRC-148 was developed by Thales Communications, Inc., Clarksburg, MD, originally designated as the Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR). First fielded in 2001, the AN/PRC-148 MBITR replaced complex man-pack radios weighing up to 60 pounds with a two pound handheld unit and simplified operations. The AN/PRC-148 program advanced to the next generation with the AN/PRC-148 Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Enhanced MBITR, or JEM. As a software defined radio, JEM can be enhanced with legacy waveforms and software -- ensuring interoperability with presently fielded radios -- as well as with newly developed and future capabilities.

PRC-148 radios are used in Afghanistan for intrasquad communications, such as those in patrols. Instead of hand signals, these Type One encrypted radios, which use the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveform, allow foot patrolling Soldiers and Marines to communicate back to their vehicle. As of 2009, more than 150,000 AN/PRC-148 radios are deployed or on order.

The AN/PRC-148 contains embedded Type I COMSEC and is interoperable with SINCGARS and HAVEQUICK II (frequency-hopping system) in the single-channel and the ECCM frequency hopping modes. It can be configured for vehicular applications (with the AN/VRC-111 Vehicle Adapter Amplifier and Range Extender) and has spawned a range of accessories to expand its capabilities and ease of use.

The AN/PRC-148 JEM was the first JTRS-compatible radio certified for compliance with SCA Software Communications Architecture (with waivers) and successfully completed comprehensive U.S. Government testing and qualification.

AN/PRC-148 Product Family

This chart indicates the model numbers for the major receiver-transmitter assemblies of the AN/PRC-148 product family. The National Stock Numbers (NSN) for some of these items is in another table lower down on the page.

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